Operations Manager - Meat Products Manufacturing

Location: West Chicago, IL Compensation: $130,000 $160,000 base + quarterly bonus up to 15%

Overview

A well-established ready-to-eat protein manufacturer is adding an Operations Manager to lead a large-scale, USDA-regulated processing and packaging facility. This is a floor-based leadership role not a corporate or office-heavy position. The person in this seat will oversee multiple production lines, manage a sizeable hourly workforce, and be held accountable to clear performance metrics.

The operation is structured, metrics-driven, and supported by experienced leadership above. There is a strong foundation in place what's needed is someone who can step in, earn credibility on the floor, and drive results through presence and accountability.

What the Role Covers

Direct daily production across multiple processing and packaging lines in a USDA-regulated, ready-to-eat environment

Lead three direct reports and a workforce of 80+ hourly employees

Own KPI performance across yield, schedule attainment, and labor efficiency

Use Red Zone or comparable systems to monitor and manage real-time production activity

Ensure full compliance with USDA, OSHA, and applicable food safety regulations

Manage production costs, labor utilization, and budget accountability

Partner with HR on staffing, corrective action, and employee development

Collaborate with quality, maintenance, and scheduling to keep lines running efficiently

Present performance updates and operational plans to senior and executive leadership

Lead short and long-term planning in coordination with the Director of Operations

Build a floor culture rooted in safety, accountability, and continuous improvement

What They Need

BS/BA in Engineering, Animal Science, Operations, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent of 10+ years of meat processing leadership experience is required

2-5+ years of leadership experience inside a USDA-regulated, ready-to-eat meat processing facility

Strong floor presence with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels including executive leadership

Solid understanding of production KPIs, OEEs, yield management, and labor metrics

Experience with Red Zone or similar production management platforms preferred

Comfortable leading in a union manufacturing environment

Bilingual English and Spanish is a plus

Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems preferred